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Don Khong Named Southeast Asia’s Top Island for Cycling by National Geographic

The UK-based National Geographic Traveler has named Don Khong in Champasack, Laos, one of Southeast Asia’s top islands, highlighting it for cycling. On 25 October, the magazine listed destinations for their unique appeal: Koh Chang, Thailand, for beaches; Penang, Malaysia, for food; Cat Ba, Vietnam, for adventure; and Don Khong, Laos, for cycling. National Geographic described Don Khong as “a peaceful, green environment where visitors can enjoy the scenery and atmosphere while cycling”. The magazine also highlighted the island’s “slower pace of life,” offering travelers a stress-free experience.  It further emphasized the serene, cultural setting, showcasing both natural beauty and rich local heritage for visitors seeking calm and history. Don Khong is the...

Economy

Laos Central Bank Faces LAK 66.86 Billion Embezzlement Loss

The Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is intensifying efforts to tackle corruption and internal mismanagement after inspection teams uncovered 181 cases of embezzlement and misappropriation between 2021 and...

New Weight-Based Toll Targets Road Damage from Mineral Transport

Starting in 2026, mineral transport trucks will be charged up to USD 1.5 per ton per trip on routes of 10 kilometers (km) or more, Minister of Public Works...

Laos Moves to Overhaul National School System by 2028

Laos is preparing to reform its national education system by shifting to a 6+3+3 grade structure, extending primary schooling and reorganizing secondary education. The transition, expected to begin in...

National Road No. 13 South in Savannakhet Set for Major Rehabilitation

A major 79-kilometer section of National Road No. 13 South is set for restoration after Savannakhet authorities on 13 November approved a new plan to study, design, and upgrade...

Laos Uncovers Widespread Corruption, Records Billions in Losses Over Five Years

Laos has uncovered widespread corruption cases nationwide over the past five years, identifying 334 individuals implicated in financial misconduct between 2021 and 2025, with total losses exceeding LAK 642.93...

Lao State Fuel Company Set to Transform into Public–Private Joint Venture

The Lao government is moving to restructure the Lao State Fuel Company (LSFC) into a public–private joint venture as part of its broader overhaul of major state-owned enterprises, according...

Travel

Don Khong Named Southeast Asia’s Top Island for Cycling by National Geographic

The UK-based National Geographic Traveler has named Don Khong in Champasack, Laos, one of Southeast Asia’s top islands, highlighting it for cycling. On 25 October, the magazine listed destinations for their unique appeal: Koh Chang, Thailand, for beaches; Penang, Malaysia, for food; Cat Ba, Vietnam, for adventure; and Don Khong, Laos, for cycling. National Geographic described Don Khong as “a peaceful, green environment where visitors can enjoy the scenery and atmosphere while cycling”. The magazine also highlighted the island’s “slower pace of life,” offering travelers a stress-free experience.  It further emphasized the serene, cultural setting, showcasing both natural beauty and rich local heritage for visitors seeking calm and history. Don Khong is the...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity. Held...

Luang Prabang Scores Silver for Sustainable Tourism 2025–2027

Luang Prabang has set a new benchmark for sustainable tourism in Laos by earning the Green Destinations Silver certification for 2025–2027.  Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, accepted...

Health & Environment

Philippines Halts Search After Over 200 Killed in Typhoon Kalmaegi as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Nears

By Laotian Times and AFP - Rescue work was suspended and preemptive evacuations began Saturday as Typhoon Fung-wong bore down on the Philippines, days after another storm killed at least 204 people. Fung-wong, expected to be a "super typhoon" before making landfall, bears a huge footprint, with a radius that could cover "almost the entire country," a government meteorologist said. "Apart from the strong winds, we can also expect heavy rains ... 200 millimetres (eight inches) or higher rainfall, which can...

Sport

Health Ministry Deploys Major Safety Operation for National Games

The Ministry of Health has deployed over 290 technical staff to safeguard athletes, officials, and spectators at the 12th National Games in Vientiane, ensuring public health standards are maintained throughout the event. Six specialised...

Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Vientiane, Luang Prabang in First Official Trip Abroad

Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos from 17 to 22 November, her first overseas trip since coming of age.  The 23-year-old...

Politics

Japanese Princess Lands in Laos on First Trip Overseas

AFP - Japan's Princess Aiko arrived in Laos on 17 November for her first official overseas trip, state media...

Japan’s Princess Aiko to Visit Vientiane, Luang Prabang in First Official Trip Abroad

Laos and Japan are marking a milestone year in their relationship. Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko will visit Laos...

Australia Reaffirms Commitment to Laos with Another Humanitarian Relief Delivery under Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025

Australia continues to demonstrate its strong partnership with Laos by delivering emergency relief supplies to support Laos’ efforts in...

Thailand Suspends Cambodia Deal After Landmine Injures Troops

AFP - Thailand announced on Monday, 10 November, it was suspending the implementation of a peace agreement with neighbouring...

Feature

Into the Dark: Exploring Laos’ Cave Tourism Industry

Home to some of the most complex rock formations in Southeast Asia, Laos looks to cash in on cave tourism. Since the late 19th century, the geological wonders of Laos have captured the interest of foreign explorers, not just for its striking mountain ranges, fertile Mekong River floodplains and waterfalls – but also for what lies beneath the surface. Countless caves have been revealed within the towering karst massifs and limestone mountains that dominate much of Laos’ picturesque landscape. While many of these subterranean beauties have been transformed into worthy tourist attractions, others are in a continual state of exploration. For fast-developing Laos, whose major economies are mining and tourism, the caves represent an opportunity to unlock the potential of swathes of the landlocked country’s remote areas to the world. As the sport of spelunking gains traction, isolated villages are looking to cash in on this rise in visitors. Yet as experts have pointed out, great care needs to be taken in balancing the complex needs of locals and the conservation of the cave’s delicate ecosystems – one wrong step can cause irreversible damage – with the commodification of Laos’ natural...

Japanese Princess Lands in Laos on First Trip Overseas

AFP - Japan's Princess Aiko arrived in Laos on...

Thailand Suspends Cambodia Deal After Landmine Injures Troops

AFP - Thailand announced on Monday, 10 November, it...

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh to Visit North Korea in Mid-November

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane will make an official...